Keeping It Weird in the Pacific Northwest Part 4: The Politics of Kelp
Expedition Leader Kristina Disney takes us on a fascinating journey below the sea to explore the giant kelp forests of coastal British Columbia. As integral to the Pacific Northwest environment as its mighty cedar trees (see Part 2 of Kristina’s PNW series), kelp is vital to a healthy marine ecosystem, providing nurseries and havens for a multitude of species. Kelp can reach more than 150 feet in length, sometimes growing more than a foot a day! While kelp forests once dominated the coastal landscape, they are now few and far between—and the reasons are complex. Kristina delves into the natural and cultural history of kelp to explain how global politics, economics, industries and even fashions continue to have effects on ecosystems 200 years later. Find out why the sea otter is integral to healthy kelp, and how its extirpation harmed this entire undersea ecosystem, creating veritable “deserts” that persist today, despite the reintroduction of this now-protected marine mammal. Tapping her Ph.D. research on a Vancouver Island watershed, Kristina shares insight into the astonishing interconnectedness of the coastal ecosystem. You’re sure to come away caring about kelp (who knew?!) and understanding more about how we humans can return productivity and diversity to our oceans.
Originally presented August 17, 2022
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